SPRINGWATCH'S Chris Packham has made an impassioned plea to MPs as they discuss a potential ban on fur being shipped into the UK. The tough-talking television presenter filmed a video message highlighting the horrendous conditions endured by foxes, mink and other farmed wild creatures with a message for politicians to finish the job started years ago.

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“The animals are cramped very close together. They are kept in very small enclosures. They are there to be managed for their fur, not in any way for the mental or physical welfare of the animals. There is no enrichment in their life whatsoever.”

Showing scenes of foxes, mink and raccoon dogs inside cages, he continues: “I have a very clear message to MPs who are debating whether we should ban imports of fur to the UK.

“We did half the job when we stopped fur farming here. That was significant progress. Brilliant. A job well done. Now let’s close the door forever.”

There is enormous British opposition to an industry that farms 130 million animals globally, with only eight per cent of the public in favour of importing fur into the country, according to recent polls.

There is enormous British opposition to an industry that farms 130 million animals globally (Image: Humane Society Internationa)

On an international scale, famous designers such as Gucci, Versace, Michael Kors and Jimm Choo have joined long-standing opponents of fur, Hugo Boss, Armani and Vivienne Westwood, by banning it on their clothing.

Last week vets and animal welfare experts, including Packham and primatologist Dr Jane Goodall, wrote to Environment Secretary Michael Gove, highlighting their concerns at the “severe animal welfare deficiencies inherent to the fur trade”.

Life for the farmed species means being enclosed in battery cages while death eventually comes from being gassed or electrocuted.

Before today’s debate at Westminster more than than 100 #FurFreeBritain campaigners from Humane Society International UK and Open Cages paraded placards calling for MPs to bring about a ban.

Humane Society International/UK’s executive director Claire Bass said “The vast majority of the British public support a fur import ban and this sentiment is being echoed by a growing list of MPs from across the political spectrum.

“For as long as we import fur, the UK is effectively complicit in paying fur farmers and trappers overseas to inflict appalling suffering on millions of animals on our behalf.

“The Government wants to be seen as a world leader on animal welfare, and there’s a very clear trail to be blazed by pulling the plug on the fur trade.”